Beauty may lie in the eye of the beholder. People can scream themselves hoarse asking people to only look at inner beauty. But the fact remains that first impressions are made based on first look. Your dressing, grooming etc. plays an important role on making that coveted good first impression. But if there is one single most important feature that seals the fate of the first impression, then that would of course be the skin! Healthy looking supple skin often takes you places and no one can deny that. This is the simple reason behind the exponential skincare and beauty market boom. Every woman dreams of fantastic skin and every company in the industry constantly tries to redefine "fantastic skin"! But this a tall order and one that many go to extreme lengths to fulfil. In the quest for perfect skin, one would have heard of extreme measures like drinking snakes blood in Thailand or a wonder cream from Bali. Though Thailand and Bali are wonderful tourist destinations, one really doesn't have to travel to end of the world for this dream!
You may believe in the Big bang theory or be a very religious person in your chosen religious belief. But whatever your take on this is, you have to admit that the human body is the best innovation ever. It is obvious that whoever or whatever created the human race, seems to have thought of everything! Long story short….you want good skin? The answer does not lie in India or China…it lies within you. Yes we are talking about Hyaluronic acid which has taken the dermatological world by storm since its discovery! And it is a simple, humble component found in our own body! So what is it? How can it be used? What can it be used for? Before one gets all excited and starts looking for ways and means to get their hands on this miracle, it is important to get the answers for these questions. It is a big bad world out there, and anyone out to make a quick buck may sell you anything you choose to blindly believe in! So do yourself a favour and gather all the facts and always make informed decisions. We can't make decisions for you but we would certainly like to give you the facts from a medical point of view.
Anyone who knows anything about hyaluronic acid knows that it is a naturally occurring substance in human beings. But what some may not know would be that they are also found in food sources! Apparently if you had started early enough, you can eat your way to eternal youth! A news story featured on ABC News in November 2000 brought to light an entire village that seemed to have found the elixir of eternal youth! Yuzuri Hara is a small village about a two hour drive away from Tokyo. The villagers were living proof that it is possible to live long healthy lives with beautiful, supple skin to boast! How cool is that? Naturally this garnered a lot of attention and everybody wanted to know the secret! The local doctors believed that this sensational phenomenon can be contributed to their food habits which mainly consisted of potatoes, sweet potatoes and a special dish made from a combination of root vegetables known as konyako. These starches apparently improve the natural regeneration of hyaluronic acid in the body. So if you can't shell out the money for hyaluronic supplements then you could consider surviving on potatoes for the rest of your life! And also bear in mind that these Japanese villagers don't normally consider burgers, pizza and pasta as food choices! Now you have to decide if you can give up everything else and focus only on potatoes.
But this is not a practical option and we are compelled to find a variety of foods that are a good source of hyaluronic acid and hope they work their magic in any small way possible!
This should be your first question before you give in to the temptation to know exactly what it can do for you! Hyaluronic acid is also known by names like hyaluronan or hyluronate or simply HA. It has a negative charge and is a non- sulphated carbohydrate or rather glycosaminoglycan. It is found in most living organisms and in humans is found in higher concentrations in the connective tissues in the joints, around the eyes and epithelial layer in the skin. The basic structure of this component would be the simple sugars D-glucoronic acid and D-acetyleglucosamine held together by glycosidic bonds. It is a stable component because of its structural bulk that comes from the basic structural sugars and their bonds with each other. Which is why it is able to maintain the structure of the eyeball for example. Hyaluronan's most significant contribution would be towards cell proliferation and migration. The person who has the claim to being the first to determine the presence and properties of hyaluronic acid would be Endre Balazs in 1942. He discovered it by accident really when he applied for a patent to use it as a substitute to egg white because of its similar consistency. Hyaluronic acid has come a long way since then but it started thanks to this man. He did go on to become an expert on hyaluronic acid and discovered many of the benefits of hyaluronic acid. So kudos to him! It was believed that bakers had smooth hands from working with hyaluronic acid!
In our body, an average person would have about 15 grams of hyaluronan and about a third of this is lost and regenerated every day. But this regeneration process slows down as one loses the battle against aging. But even when fighting a losing battle one does not have to go down without a fight. And there has not been a more resilient species than the human species. That is why years of research has resulted in coming up with hyaluronic acid based products which can help give our bodies natural reserve a boost.
Before you start imagining that some poor souls in third world countries are being forced to sell their hyaluronic acid for this, rest assured that there are other sources of this miracle substance! Hyaluronan can be synthesized by any vertebrate that has membrane proteins known as hyaluronan syntheses types HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3. So hyaluronic acid can be obtained from a number of vertebrates with these proteins. So far, roosters have been a favourite source. But it has been found through research it can also be obtained from bacterial sources so instead of killing roosters and gaining the wrath of animal activists, Bacillus subtilis, a form of bacteria can be genetically modified to give sufficient hyaluronan that is compatible for use in humans.
Hyaluronic acid also has a high affinity for binding with water, thus giving rise to a highly aqueous, jelly like consistency. It is this property that gives it an important role within connective joints, as it provides a cushioning effect to take the abuse of day to day movements! Research has found that besides the affinity for binding substrates, the main deciding factor on the functions would be the molecular weight. The more heavy weight molecules are found maintaining structural integrity and in the joints to provide cushioning effects. The smaller (lower) weight molecules also have an important role to play in wound healing. So the bottom line is that even though the skin care industry has given star status to this wonder substance, it already had humble beginnings in among the medical fraternity. Now that a quick look has been taken at the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of hyaluronic acid, it is time to take a detailed look at the various uses and benefits.
As already seen, there are plenty of animal sources of hyaluronic acid. Meat eaters probably enjoy better skin as compared to vegetarians. Chicken stew and soup don't only warm your soul, they can give you all the benefits of hyaluronic acid as well. No wonder the Chinese are famous for their chicken soup that they take when healing from any illness or injuries. The hyaluronic acid will help boost immunity and wound healing. Animal source liver is also an exotic way to boost your hyaluronic acid level! Actually this is probably the one case where physicians have to agree that red meats does have its share of benefits but it would be foolish to load up on red meat excessively!
I have yet to come across someone who hates potatoes so throw in the mashed potato into your diet once in a while! And we suggested mashed potatoes, not greasy fried chips! The whole point is to be health conscious so this not an excuse to load up on McDonald's fries! Sweet potatoes are also a simple to consume food. All you have to do is steam or boil and eat! And did we tell you they are good sources of magnesium as well.
For the fruit and vegetable lovers, it is sad but unfortunately these are just not good sources of hyaluronic acid per se. But that doesn't mean there is no hope for you. In fact fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin C and magnesium help to boost the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid. In fact they are essential substances for the production of hyaluronic acid. This could be a reason why a western diet that is lacking in fruits and vegetables is not hyaluronic acid friendly. If you have noticed, the Asians seem to be having better skin than their western counterparts. You don't really have to go to Japan to see this! This could largely be attributed to their diets. It is time to become good friends with fruits like bananas, oranges, strawberries, guavas, mangoes etc. Bananas happen to be an excellent source of magnesium. Vegetable like cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, green beans and Brussels sprouts are also rich in magnesium. Zinc rich foods like peanuts, pumpkins and brown rice are also effective in boosting hyaluronic acid production.
So the next time you reach for the cracker, remember the world of goodness of hyaluronic acid and reach for a banana instead. Your body will thank you for it!
Another important substance which raises the body's hyaluronic acid would be oestrogen, which is probably why women have better skin than men! Soya is great way to raise the oestrogen levels in the body which in turn will help raise the levels of hyaluronic acid. If you are vegetarian, then this could be your best bet next to potatoes! Soya products are known to have a substance known as isoflavanes which are responsible for raising the oestrogen level and hence the hyaluronic acid level. Soya or tofu are also extremely palatable and easy to prepare and again this is a staple in Asian diets. Maybe you can find recipe some interesting recipes on how to prepare soya!
According the United States Department of Agriculture, the red, green, yellow pepper, cilantro and parsley are also good sources of Vitamin C so go ahead make your food more flavourful and colourful!
It is important to be practical and understand that the benefits of taking hyaluronic acid as a food source, is not going to give instantaneous results. So take it slow and slowly incorporate the above mentioned food into your diet. If you go even for a whole week just eating potatoes and nothing else, you are going to feel horrible! So take it slow!
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in all cartilage tissues and has more than one important function. A lot of research is still being carried out to fully understand this substance and how it can be optimised to treat or supplement existing treatment modalities. The biggest fan of hyaluronic acid in recent years may be the skincare industry but doctors have been interested in this way before that. It has always been regarded as a substance with huge potential in a wide variety of conditions.
1. For osteoarthritis of joints
Hyaluronic acid is found in abundant amounts in joint cartilages and synovial fluid. Osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition of joints as a result of the normal wear of tear of daily movement. Hyaluronic acid has been found to play a principle role lubricating the joint and when the lubrication decreases resulting in pain, it is only natural to consider topping it up in the joint. This way lubrication can be maintained keeping the joint resilient to wear and tear so that mobility and flexibility are not compromised. A study published in Current Rheumatology Reports in 2000 found that hyaluronic acid is protective against cartilage breakdown in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. According to many doctors hyaluronic acid injections really does help osteoarthritic patients lead a better life!
2. To maintain integrity of connective tissue like tendons and ligaments.
Our body may be made of bones, organs and flesh but there has to be something that attaches and holds everything together. The heroes who do that would be the connective tissues. Sometimes they even do more than just binding two structures together. They also provide support, protection and even insulation. Tendons are cord-like structures that attach muscle to bone while ligaments help connect two bones with each other. Hyaluronic acid along with collagen and elastin are the basic units of these connective tissues. Hyaluronic acid with its amazing ability to form high molecular weight structures helps give the connective tissue the strength to withstand the pressure of weight and tension of movement.
3. For healthy scalp and hair
If good skin is the ultimate dream of every woman, a healthy radiant mane is a hot second favourite dream. The scalp is structurally similar to skin elsewhere in the body and hair is just a derivative of the skin. The dermal layer in the scalp contains connective tissue which contains hyaluronan as well. Hyaluronic acid with its ability to absorb water weaves its magic by forming the gelatinous fluid which supports, nourishes and hydrates the scalp. A well- moisturized scalp and lustrous hair are all possible due to the presence of hyaluronic acid. So HA is an important component being exploited by companies involved in developing hair care products.
4. For healthy supple lips
Women like Angelina Jolie have worked hard to perfect the pout. Women around the world have tried to emulate the infamous pout. But the pout can be a big turnoff if the skin is dry and chapped! The lips also have a dermal layer with the basic components being hyaluronic acid and collagen. They both jointly work towards maintaining the shape and suppleness of the lips. The collagen is supposed to keep the skin over the lip taut while hyaluronic acid binds with water and forms the magical gelatinous fluid hydrates the rest of the lip tissues, keeping it hydrated and supple so that you can allow that pout to speak volumes about your confidence.
5. For healthy eyes!
After the joints, the eyes are the favourite hangout of hyaluronic acid in the human body. The centre of the eye is filled an aqueous solution made primarily of hyaluronic acid. This is known as the vitreous humor which provides buoyancy to the eyes and plays the important role of shock absorber. It also is the transport source of nutrients for the eyes. Ophthalmologists often inject hyaluronic acid directly into the eye during eye surgery so that the structural integrity is maintained throughout the surgery. Just like in the joint and skin, regeneration of hyaluronic with production of new hyaluronic acid slows down as we age, resulting in some of the common eye disorders.
6. For healthy gums
As soon as someone mentions connective tissues, the mind conjures up an image of a joint. Yes, connective tissues do contribute significantly to maintaining the integrity of joints like the complex knee joint. But many don't know that the gums are also a place where connective tissue can be found! Dense fibrous ligaments help anchor the teeth to the jaw bone. So once again one has to thank hyaluronic acid for maintaining hydration, nourishment and strength to our teeth. It is thanks to hyaluronic acid that our teeth don't chip off when we bite into something hard!
7. And finally for healthy, younger looking skin.
The skin is where the maximum concentration of hyaluronic acid can be found. This is not surprising as the skin is after all the largest organ in the body. About 50% of the total body's hyaluronan concentration can be found in the skin. The skin is actually made up of multiple layers and hyaluronic acid is found in the top most epidermis layer as well the deeper dermal layer. It goes without saying that hyaluronic acid together with collagen play an important role in hydrating, nourishing and maintaining the structural integrity of the skin layers. Hyaluronic acid continuously hydrates the skin by binding up to 1000 times its weight with water. The collagen provides the firmness and elasticity to skin. In facts it is the hyaluronic acid which constantly supplies moisture and nutrition to collagen so that it can maintain its moistness and elasticity. Young skin which has a high concentration of hyaluronic acid will obviously be smooth and elastic. But unfortunately as one ages, the concentration of hyaluronic acid and the ability of the body to replenish HA decreases. Because of this we are forced to say goodbye to well hydrated and nourished skin. Most people watch helplessly as with age, the skin starts drying up and wrinkle after wrinkle appear!
8. For wound healing
Hyaluronic acid has been hailed as a powerful antioxidant thus effortlessly doing its role preventing damage to wounded, inflamed tissues. Free radicals better watch out as hyaluronic is no exotic power berry that one has to burn a hole in the wallet to obtain! It's just another simple yet effective natural protector of the body against injuries and wounds!
9. For strengthening the immune system:
Our immune system is our shield against the forces of nature and everything else in between. If our immune system is weak then even a simple flu bug can show us the way to the graveyard. But as always the body is well-equipped to fight against all odds and hyaluronic acid extends a helping hand in this process as well. It does this by keeping the integrity of tissue structures intact and protected against invasion by viruses and bacteria. Due to its extensive presence in the extracellular matrix, it also plays an important role aiding cellular communication and regulation.
10. For smooth circulation
Hyaluronic acid also plays a role in the circulatory system of the body. Thanks to its lubricating properties, it keeps the flow steady.
Ever since hyaluronic acid was thrown into the limelight, it has caught the fancy of numerous curious minds. Hours of sweat and tears have been spent over the years researching this potent substance. Researchers and scientists have come a long way but there is still a long way to go. In this world everything normally happens in a balance. If something has a long list of benefits, then there would always be some side effects as well. When using any product it is not only important to consider the benefits but also to have the knowledge of the negative aspects. Knowledge is power hence by being aware, one can take the necessary precautions.
1. Allergic reactions
These are rare in the case if hyaluronic acid. But the reported cases were usually from those who used products obtained from the rooster. There could be an inherent aversion to animal products by some individuals. But the more recent products that have steered clear from the animal sources are generally safer. Trying any new product is like getting a new car. Always do a test drive first!
2. Pain, swelling and redness
This might occur when hyaluronic injections are given directly into joint spaces in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The pain, redness and swelling will be at the site of injection and this is usually because of an acute inflammatory reaction. This occurs as a result of tissue damage by the injection itself and the introduction of a foreign substance. The body's natural defence kicks in without realising that is no enemy! This is a common side effect in many patients receiving injectable hyaluronic acids. But this is a short term effect and gets better quite quickly. But you have to see a doctor and take the prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment.
According to study by Narins et al 2003, lip augmentations are the most common source of pain, swelling or bruising following a hyaluronic acid injection. There is also a danger of herpes labia but clinicians avoid this by using prednisolone and or antiviral agents. So want the perfect pout? Go to a reputed clinician who knows what he is doing!
3. Injection site ulcers
Not a common occurrence but has been reported and is believed to be due to arterial occlusion. This is common when injected in the glabellar are. Thankfully sufficient research has been done and there is a protocol in place to look for and treat this if it should occur. Late infections following hyaluronic acid injections are rare and the only two reported cases were two women who had gone to an unlicensed practitioner! (Toy and Frank 2003).
4. Effects due to interactions with other substances
It has been generally observed that some medications taken along with hyaluronic acid don't take too kindly to being taken together. It does seem like vitamin E supplements, aspirin and some NSAIDs don't really get along with hyaluronic acid and ends up causing increased bleeding and bruising. A good clinician should tell you to stop taking these supplements and medications for at least a week prior to getting the hyaluronic acid shot!
5. Side effects of oral hyaluronic acid
Research is still going about how safe is hyaluronic acid orally. It is not advisable for cancer patients with lymphedema to take hyaluronic acid orally. Similarly patients suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis are also advised to steer clear of oral hyaluronic acid and it has been observed to aggravate existing signs and symptoms.
6. Side effects of topical hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is also available for topical use and so far thankfully no major side effects have been noted with topical use. The known side effect of topical usage would be some minor itching and rashes. But these usually subside within a couple of days. Oral and topical hyaluronic acid are generally considered unsafe in pregnant and lactating women. Some doctors say that injections are safe in pregnant women but not in women who are breastfeeding. But most clinicians do not experiment with hyaluronic acid in pregnant nor lactating women!
7. Serious side effects
Hyaluronic acid is generally safe but serious side effects like difficulty in breathing, hives and ulceration with scarring can happen in patients who are extremely hypersensitive to them. We don't mean to scare you by being morbid but take it as our social responsibility to create awareness. We can't stress enough how important it is to see certified practitioners and follow their advices accordingly. And always, always test drive! And if you are going through a special period in your life like pregnancy and breast feeding, postpone the treatment until your body is back to normal. Always weigh benefits and potential side effects and choose the lesser evil! Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions that you have. A great way to identify a good clinician would be based on how honest and careful he is in explaining and carrying out the whole process. One can't be too careful…it is your health we are talking about after all!
So now you know that Hyaluronic acid is a substance that has multiple benefits and the best part of it is that it is made by our body itself! Our body may be constant source of amazement as we keep finding out more and more about all that our body is equipped with. But everything and especially good things come with expiry dates. Given the dynamic nature of our body, one shouldn't be too surprised that our body is undergoing millions of generating and regenerating processes every second of life. The production and breakdown of Hyaluronic acid in our body is not immune to this dynamics. Hyaluronic acid has a relatively short half-life of 1-3 days and hence needs to be replenished every three days, which our body normally does easily. But it is also known that with time, our body gets fatigued and becomes less and efficient. The only way to keep the momentum going would be by supplementing the body with external sources of hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid supplements have become the latest fad to join the race against time to preserve the beauty and functioning of the human body. The benefits may be numerous but that also means there is a real danger of not using the product correctly as intended. It is also easy to understand how people can be easily misled into believing that this is a miracle elixir and go overboard with the use. It is important to understand the facts and not be carried away with the sales pitches of marketing experts. Always check with a medical practitioner whenever possible. Even otherwise use test doses to make sure you can tolerate the product which you have finally zeroed in on. Here is a quick rundown on the different types of hyaluronic supplements available in the market.
Hyaluronic acid is available for oral intake or for topical use. A qualified medical practitioner will be able to advise you on the form that would best suit your needs. But the general rule of thumb is that oral supplements will help in ailments like osteoarthritis by supplementing the lubricating, cushioning effect of synovial fluid in joints. They are also sometimes prescribed by physicians to aid the healing of fractures, hernias and glaucoma as they supplement naturally occurring hyaluronic acid produced in the body and speed up healing. They are believed to aid the body in the rebuilding of connective tissues that are important for structural integrity. Oral hyaluronic acid helps improve the connective tissues that are integral for the structural integrity of the all too important skin. They also help to hold onto to moisture that leaves skin looking younger and supple.
Topical forms of hyaluronic acid have been known to be used medically for external wound healing due to its' anti-inflammatory properties. But the most well-known topical superstars would be those that are available as injectable or what are popularly known as wrinkle or dermal fillers. These are topical Hyaluronic acid supplements that are available in the form of gels and which are non-toxic and compatible to the form naturally found in our skin. The recent varieties are bio-degradable, stable and do not provoke immunologic reactions. It goes without saying that it is not advisable to self-inject these fillers. It is always safer to approach trained professionals! They are trained for a reason and more than their monetary gains, they are responsible for your safety. At least they will know what to do if you develop any allergic reactions and make sure you are not permanently harmed. And that by itself is worth every penny you are shelling out!
Hyaluronic acid supplements have also found their way into day to day skincare routines and are a part of face washes and moisturisers. However this may not be the best way to make use of hyaluronic acid as we can't ascertain how much of it gets absorbed and whether they can increase the quantity of hyaluronic acid in the body. There is often some confusion regarding this as people are sometimes led to believe that these act in the same as wrinkle filler injections. Although topically applied products may have a daily impact on skin hydration and the appearance of lines and wrinkles, the result is not as effective as injection treatment. Just because a skincare product promotes hyaluronic acid, it doesn't mean to say it will deliver the benefits associated with topical application of HA, mainly due to the lack of hyaluronic acid contained within the product. Looking for products that have invested money into clinical trial evidence is often the easiest way to feel more comfortable of its real capabilities.
There is a lot of research going on in this field and scientist are constantly striving to come up with a superior product that has as little side effects as possible. All said and done, it is important to remember that each and every body is unique and how it reacts to any product cannot be assumed. So make sure you do your homework and find products that suit your body and which your body can tolerate! The supplements are easily available online and in speciality stores. It is important to know that hyaluronic acid supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This essentially means that the all the responsibility is on you! Beauty is a quintessential part of life, but with that comes the responsibility of not taking unnecessary risks and losing what is already there! Knowledge is power so make informed choices and always seek professional help whenever possible. The smart way of doing things may be inconvenient but could make all the difference in the world!